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Ecotourism

What is Ecotourism?

While many people have a sense of what constitutes ecotourism, it is hard to arrive at a single definition. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the wellbeing of local people." Many emphasize the role that ecotourism plays in educating visitors and instilling an environmental ethic that they will carry with them beyond their vacation. Ecotourism is distinct from nature tourism, which is travel to unspoiled places to experience and enjoy nature; wildlife tourism, travel to observe animals in their native habitat; or adventure tourism, nature tourism that involves a degree of risk taking in poorly charted terrain. In short, you can think of ecotourism as travel that is Environmentally, Socially, and Economically responsible.

How is the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve an example of ecotourism?

The Palmetto-Peartree Preserve seeks to be a model of true ecotourism by adhering to ecotourism’s three guiding principles.

Environmental Responsibility
The Palmetto-Peartree Preserve is 10,000 acres of wetland forest in Tyrrell County, NC. The preserve was established to protect and provide habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). Once prevalent throughout the southeast, the number of RCWs has declined by 99% since European settlement due to habitat loss and degradation. The preserve is also home to other protected species including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, American alligator, and red wolf. In addition, the preserve hosts more than 100 species of migratory birds and waterfowl. Bobcats, black bears, white tail deer, and a wide variety of plant species also thrive at the preserve. As ecotourism begins to flourish at the preserve we will continue monitoring these valuable natural resouces to ensure that recreational activities are in harmony with our environmental goals.

Carbon Zero is another way in which we offer environmentally sensitive travel at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve. Climate change is a pressing issue facing our planet. Visitors to the preserve can do their part by offsetting their yearly carbon dioxide emissions. It's easy! Simply click on the link below and you will be directed to a calculator that will ask you to input your home energy consumption and travel habits. The Carbon Zero Calculator estimates your yearly carbon dioxide footprint and the number of trees it takes to offset it. You will then be invited to make a donation to The Conservation Fund to plant and monitor the trees. You can start by simply calculating your energy use for a year’s worth of travel to the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve, or make an even bigger impact by offsetting your entire lifestyle for a year. Go Zero!

Social Responsibility
Ecotourism seeks to preserve traditional ways and values for community members, while educating visitors on local customs and practices. The Palmetto-Peartree Preserve is committed to working with the local community to implement programs that embody this ethic. The Conservation Fund is partnering with local organizations and community members to showcase the County’s cultural and heritage assets and to educate visitors on historic traditions.

Economic Responsibility
When it comes to responsible tourism, local is best. When tourism related businesses are not locally owned, the profits that they generate typically "leak" out of the local economy. It’s estimated that for every $100 spent in a nationally owned business, the economic impact on the community is only $13. Yet that same $100 spent in a locally owned business provides a $45 impact on the local economy. The Conservation Fund is dedicated to balancing environmental principles with economic goals, a commitment that will be exemplified at the Palmetto-Peartree Preserve. As the project progresses we hope to offer small business development training opportunities, recreation concessions for locally owned businesses, and partnerships with local accommodations.

Ecotourism can be an excellent economic driver for communities, proving that environmental goals can be met simultaneously with economic goals. Tyrrell County’s leaders are acting as responsible environmental stewards by focusing on ecotourism rather than other more polluting forms of economic development. By capitalizing on natural and historic assets through ecotourism, Tyrrell County is well on its way to building a vibrant economy without jeopardizing the future of its natural resources.

Want to Learn More?

Use the following links to learn more about ecotourism.